Thursday December 1, 2016

Academic Colleges Group (ACG), New Zealand’s largest independent educational services provider, has significantly expanded its vocational group with the acquisition of Animation College, AMES – Institute of IT and South Seas Film & Television School.

Animation College is New Zealand's leading character animation college, delivering traditional and 3D animation courses which range from Diplomas to a Bachelor of Animation. AMES, established in 1991, is one of New Zealand’s top IT education providers, delivering courses up to degree level. South Seas Film & Television School is a leading film, television, screen acting, animation and photography training institution.

The new acquisitions will see ACG delivering education to over 12,000 students in three countries through its 35 campuses located in 10 cities. The group’s vocational diplomas, degrees and courses are offered in creative industries, IT, tourism and hospitality, trades and services, health, and early childhood, across the following colleges:

Animation College

South Seas Film & Television School

ACG Yoobee School of Design

AMES – The Institute of IT

New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA)

New Zealand School of Tourism (NZST)

New Zealand Career College (NZCC)

ACG Group Chief Executive, John Williamson, said that ACG was continuing to broaden its portfolio of high-quality educational services.

“From our schools to university pathways and vocational colleges, we pride ourselves on setting our students up in the best way possible for their next step – be it university, a career or further education. With ongoing demand for recognised, quality educational qualifications, we are well positioned to grow, either through developing new offerings ourselves or through acquiring providers whose philosophies and standards match ours.

Strategically the acquisition or Animation College, AMES and South Seas is an excellent fit, with their highly sought-after courses and qualifications which are well-recognised by employers.”

It has been a big year for Animation College and AMES, which launched a Bachelor in Creative Software and was named 2016 Best Emerging Business at the Westpac Auckland Business Awards. Animation College and AMES CEO Adam Berry said becoming part of the ACG group would have big benefits for both students and industry.

“At Animation College and AMES we’re passionate about teaching the skills that enable our students to enter some of the fastest growing industries in the world. It makes sense to me that the portfolio of brands and colleges now under the ACG umbrella continues to expand across the content and technology spectrum to meet the increased needs of industry and of our students. If we can do this in a larger interdisciplinary and dynamic ecosystem, then our students will be better placed to hit the ground running when they enter industry.”